No replacement framework
Opponents said the bill would repeal the emissions-reduction framework without putting another climate, energy or regional-transition plan in its place.
Repeal Net Zero
Current status
This bill is currently before Parliament.
Policy area
Climate, energy & environment
What does this bill do?
The bill would repeal five climate and energy-transition laws: the Climate Change Act 2022The Commonwealth climate law that the bill would repeal. It is the first Act listed in the bill's repeal schedule., two Future Made in AustraliaA Commonwealth policy and legislative framework for supporting priority industries. The bill would remove its net zero transformation stream and related references. guarantee-of-origin Acts, the Net Zero Economy AuthorityA Commonwealth body established under a 2024 Act to support workers, regions and communities through the net zero transition. The bill would repeal that Act. Act 2024 and the New Vehicle Efficiency StandardA Commonwealth vehicle-emissions standard established under a 2024 Act. The bill would repeal that Act. Act 2024.
Why was it introduced?
Senator Matthew Canavan introduced the bill to dismantle Commonwealth net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. policy settings. The explanatory memorandum argues that those settings raise living costs, damage industry, narrow Australia's economic base and add budget costs, while Canavan's second reading speech says the global assumptions behind Australia's 2050 commitment have not been met.
Broader context
The bill is part of a direct political fight over Australia's legislated path to net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero.. Its supporters framed repeal as a response to energy prices, industrial pressure and regional opposition to renewable-energy projects. Its opponents framed the same repeal as a threat to climate action, investment certainty, regional transition support and Australia's international climate position.
Key criticism
The main criticisms in the collected debate were that the bill would remove Australia's emissions framework without a replacement plan, weaken climate-risk management, and damage investment and regional transition benefits. Those criticisms came from Labor and independent MPs who opposed the repeal, while supporters argued the opposite: that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. itself was driving higher costs and industrial pressure.
Who supported it?
Senator Matthew Canavan introduced this bill. Supportive speeches so far have come from LNP, Nationals, Liberal Party.
Introduced in Senate 04 Sept 2025
At second reading in Senate 04 Sept 2025
Not yet reached House —
Not yet law —
Did it become law?
Not yet
Final passage
No final vote yet
The bill has not yet completed passage through Parliament.
Days since introduction
279 days
Updated 10 June 2026.
Meaning
What does this bill do?
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The bill would repeal five climate and energy-transition laws: the Climate Change Act 2022The Commonwealth climate law that the bill would repeal. It is the first Act listed in the bill's repeal schedule., two Future Made in AustraliaA Commonwealth policy and legislative framework for supporting priority industries. The bill would remove its net zero transformation stream and related references. guarantee-of-origin Acts, the Net Zero Economy AuthorityA Commonwealth body established under a 2024 Act to support workers, regions and communities through the net zero transition. The bill would repeal that Act. Act 2024 and the New Vehicle Efficiency StandardA Commonwealth vehicle-emissions standard established under a 2024 Act. The bill would repeal that Act. Act 2024.
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It would also remove net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero., Paris AgreementThe international climate agreement referred to in several laws that the bill would amend. The bill would remove some Paris Agreement references from Commonwealth legislation. and emissions-target references from the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991 and the Future Made in AustraliaA Commonwealth policy and legislative framework for supporting priority industries. The bill would remove its net zero transformation stream and related references. Act 2024.
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For the Future Made in AustraliaA Commonwealth policy and legislative framework for supporting priority industries. The bill would remove its net zero transformation stream and related references. framework, the bill would remove the net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. transformation stream and leave the National Interest Framework consisting of the economic resilience and security stream.
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The bill would remove the Safeguard MechanismA scheme under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 that applies emissions obligations to large facilities. The explanatory memorandum says the bill would remove it. by amending the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007, including repealing the Act's safeguard mechanismA scheme under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 that applies emissions obligations to large facilities. The explanatory memorandum says the bill would remove it. Part and related definitions.
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Senator Matthew Canavan's explanatory memorandum says the bill is intended to remove net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. policy settings because he argues they raise living costs, damage industry and add budget costs.
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If passed, the bill would commence on the day after Royal AssentThe formal approval a bill needs after passing Parliament before it becomes an Act. This bill would start the day after Royal Assent if passed.. At collection time it was still before the Senate and had not become an Act.
Show source excerpts
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This Bill repeals the Climate Change Act 2022, the Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin) Act 2024, the Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin Charges) Act 2024, the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act 2024 and makes amendments to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991, the Future Made in Australia Act 2024 and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007. The Bill will remove the provision of concerted efforts by the Australian Governm
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 [No. 2] introduced text -
Items 6 to 13 of Schedule 1 make consequential amendments, resulting from the repeal of the Acts referred to above, to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991, including removing references to net zero from that Act. Future Made in Australia Act 2024 10. Items 14 to 26 of Schedule 1 make consequential amendments, resulting from the repeal of the Acts referred to above, to the Future Made in Australia Act 2024, including removing references to net zero from that Act. National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 11. Items 27 to 51 of Sch
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 [No. 2] explanatory memorandum -
The National Interest Framework consists of the economic resilience and security stream. 22 Paragraphs 8(1)(b) Repeal the paragraph. 23 Subsection 8(1A) Repeal the subsection. 24 Subsection 8(6) (paragraphs (b) and (e) of the note) Repeal the paragraphs. 25 Paragraph 10(2)(b) Repeal the paragraph. 26 Subparagraphs 10(3)(a)(iii) and (iiia) Repeal the subparagraphs. National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 27
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 [No. 2] introduced text -
Part 3H Repeal the Part. 45 Subparagraph 23(1)(b)(ia) Repeal the subparagraph. 46 Subsections 24(3A to (4)) Repeal the subsections. 47 Section 45 Omit “or the safeguard rules” (wherever occurring). 48 Paragraphs 56(dca) and (dd) to (dg) Repeal the paragraphs. 49 Section 74AA Repeal the section. 50 Paragraph 75(1)(e) and (f) Repeal the paragraphs. 51 Paragraphs 75A(5)(ia) and (ib) Repeal the paragraphs.
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 [No. 2] explanatory memorandum -
The purpose of this Bill is to remove the current Net Zero policy, its associated targets and supporting legislation, that is damaging the national economy and inflicting a higher cost of living on Australians. This damage will exponentially increase if the Ne
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 [No. 2] explanatory memorandum -
Clause 2 provides that the Act commences the day after it receives the Royal Assent. Clause 3: Schedules 3. Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any oth
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 [No. 2] explanatory memorandum
Context
Broader context for this bill
The bill is part of a direct political fight over Australia's legislated path to net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero.. Its supporters framed repeal as a response to energy prices, industrial pressure and regional opposition to renewable-energy projects. Its opponents framed the same repeal as a threat to climate action, investment certainty, regional transition support and Australia's international climate position.
- 2021
Australia commits to net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. by 2050
Canavan's incorporated second reading speech says Australia committed to net zero emissionsA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. by 2050 at the Glasgow climate conference, and says the bill responds to what he sees as failed assumptions behind that commitment.
Hansard ↗ - 2022
Climate Change Act becomes repeal target
The introduced bill would repeal the Climate Change Act 2022The Commonwealth climate law that the bill would repeal. It is the first Act listed in the bill's repeal schedule., the Commonwealth law named first in the bill's repeal schedule.
Introduced bill text ↗ - 2024
Net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. institutions and standards expand
The bill targets several 2024 laws, including the Net Zero Economy AuthorityA Commonwealth body established under a 2024 Act to support workers, regions and communities through the net zero transition. The bill would repeal that Act. Act, the New Vehicle Efficiency StandardA Commonwealth vehicle-emissions standard established under a 2024 Act. The bill would repeal that Act. Act and the Future Made in AustraliaA Commonwealth policy and legislative framework for supporting priority industries. The bill would remove its net zero transformation stream and related references. guarantee-of-origin legislation.
Introduced bill text ↗ - 28 July 2025
Joyce opens House repeal debate
Barnaby Joyce moved an earlier House debate on repealing net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero., arguing that the policy was increasing costs and damaging regional communities.
Hansard ↗ - 04 Sept 2025
Canavan introduces Senate repeal bill
The Senate bill was introduced and read a first time, with Senator Canavan moving the second reading and tabling the explanatory memorandum.
Parliament of Australia ↗ - 24 Nov 2025
Debate centres on repeal versus transition
Later collected speeches showed the core split: supporters argued net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. was raising costs and weakening industry, while opponents argued repeal would remove climate policy without a replacement plan.
Hansard ↗
Legislative route
How did it move through Parliament?
House Senate
Introduced 04 Sept 2025
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
Second reading opened 04 Sept 2025
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Key criticism
The main case against this bill
The main criticisms in the collected debate were that the bill would remove Australia's emissions framework without a replacement plan, weaken climate-risk management, and damage investment and regional transition benefits. Those criticisms came from Labor and independent MPs who opposed the repeal, while supporters argued the opposite: that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. itself was driving higher costs and industrial pressure.
No committee scrutiny item, proposed amendment or division was collected for this bill. The criticism section is drawn from parliamentary speeches in the local seed, not from a separate inquiry report.
Climate risk
Critics argued that repeal ignored fire, flood, drought and other climate risks already affecting communities, including regional communities.
Investment certainty
Several opponents said abandoning net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. would weaken business certainty, future industries and Australia's credibility with trading partners and investors.
Regional transition benefits
Haines said repeal would close the Net Zero Economy AuthorityA Commonwealth body established under a 2024 Act to support workers, regions and communities through the net zero transition. The bill would repeal that Act., remove vehicle-efficiency standards and put regional benefit-sharing and farmer payments at risk.
Further sources
Votes
Recorded votes
No recorded votes have been found yet for this bill.
Parliamentary debate
Who spoke, and what they said
Start here — lead voices
Sponsor speech Supports
Matthew Canavan
Matthew Canavan introduced the Senate bill and argued that Australia adopted net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. on assumptions about global decarbonisation that had not been met, while energy costs and industrial pressure had grown.
Read in Hansard ↗ Lead opposing voice Opposes
Kate Chaney
Kate Chaney opposed the bill, arguing that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. was both a climate obligation and an economic opportunity, and that repeal would damage investment certainty.
Read in Hansard ↗ Lead non-major voice Opposes
Helen Haines
Helen Haines opposed the bill, saying it would unravel Australia's emissions framework without replacement and miss a chance to make the transition work better for regional communities.
Read in Hansard ↗ Lead voice Supports
Garth Hamilton
Garth Hamilton supported the push against net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero., arguing from an engineering and regional perspective that the policy had failed social licence and practical tests.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
Labor
10 speakers · 10 oppose
Labor
10 speakers · 10 oppose
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Alison Byrnes Alison Byrnes opposed the bill, saying industry and communities were already investing in clean technology and that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. was important for future jobs in regions such as the Illawarra.
“While the coalition continues to quibble about whether we should or should not have a net zero target, industry and our community are forging ahead with making net zero a reality. What we need to do is secure the jobs of the future in the c”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Dan Repacholi Dan Repacholi opposed the bill, arguing that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. does not mean shutting down industry and that the Hunter can keep exporting coal while developing cleaner industries.
“Net zero does not mean shutting down industries. Net zero does not mean zero emissions. Net zero is about one thing: offsets. It means we take as much carbon out of the atmosphere as we put in. It is simple and practical, and industries in ”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Louise Miller-Frost Louise Miller-Frost opposed the bill, criticising the Coalition's post-election position on net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. and saying repeal would leave no credible plan for climate or energy.
“there is also a complete lack of plan to deal with climate change. The irony is that the coalition seats are largely based in rural and regional areas—some of the areas most at risk from the impacts of climate change. They are represented b”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Emma Comer Emma Comer opposed the bill, arguing that abandoning net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. would conflict with support for the Paris AgreementThe international climate agreement referred to in several laws that the bill would amend. The bill would remove some Paris Agreement references from Commonwealth legislation. and raise risks for growth, prices, jobs and investment.
“The party that introduced net zero targets when last in government have now dumped them—but then stated they support the Paris Agreement—and the former cancels out the latter; it simply doesn't make sense. From the number of backflips on po”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Fiona Phillips Fiona Phillips opposed the bill, saying regional communities were already facing fires, floods and drought and needed climate action rather than repeal.
“I rise to speak on the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025. The member for New England has described this government's goal to reach net zero by 2050 as 'a lunatic crusade' and 'treacherous'. I think he needs to take a good look in the mirror, becaus”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Susan Templeman Susan Templeman opposed the bill, arguing that it rejected climate action, ignored fire and extreme-weather risks, and misrepresented the land use needed for renewable energy.
“He and his Nationals collaborators reject the goal of net zero emissions ever. Let's contrast the priorities of the opposition to those of our government. Our first piece of legislation was to cut student debt by 20 per cent. The opposition”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Kara Cook Kara Cook opposed the bill, describing it as a backwards step that would undo climate commitments and damage Australia's economy, environment and credibility.
“the coalition's first priority is to repeal Australia's net zero target, a move that would damage our economy, our environment and our international credibility. Don't just take my word for it. At the Queensland LNP convention this year, an”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Sharon Claydon Sharon Claydon opposed the bill, arguing that abandoning net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. would reopen climate division and undermine clean-energy jobs and planning in regions such as Newcastle.
“Here we are in 2025, and the coalition wants to kill Australia's commitment to net zero. It's not just short sighted; it is ludicrous. Have they learnt absolutely nothing? Did they forget the last election? Australians voted loud and clear ”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Ali France Ali France opposed the bill, arguing that voters had backed a clean-energy transition and that emissions targets were important for jobs, investment and trade competitiveness.
“That is why this bill, the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025, is so bizarre. It goes against the will of the people and it is antibusiness. Responsible emissions targets are essential to Australian jobs. Australia's trading partners, particularly t”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Tom French Tom French opposed the bill, saying it would tear down Australia's emissions framework, abolish the Net Zero Economy AuthorityA Commonwealth body established under a 2024 Act to support workers, regions and communities through the net zero transition. The bill would repeal that Act. and leave regional communities weaker.
“I oppose this bill because standing up for regional Australia means standing up its future, not dragging it back into someone else's past.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Coalition
9 speakers · 10 contributions · 9 support
Coalition
9 speakers · 10 contributions · 9 support
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Garth Hamilton ★ Garth Hamilton supported the push against net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero., arguing from an engineering and regional perspective that the policy had failed social licence and practical tests.
“I am going to cast an engineering lens across this policy and explain to you why I have strongly opposed it from day one, standing side by side, by the way, with the member for Wide Bay all the way through, and I thank him for his support. ”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Barnaby Joyce Barnaby Joyce moved the earlier House bill and argued that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. would not affect the global climate but was raising power prices, weakening industry and dividing regional communities.
“I'll start by saying that net zero is going to have absolutely no effect on the climate whatsoever. Why is that the case? Because the vast majority of the globe, in both population and GDP, are not participating in it. China is not particip”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Tony Pasin Tony Pasin supported the bill, describing net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. as costly and unrealistic and arguing that Australia should prioritise affordable power, secure jobs and national sovereignty.
“I rise to speak in support of the Repeal Net Zero Bill, which was recently introduced to the House by the member for New England—a bill to end Australia's reckless commitment to net zero by 2050. Net zero in the most basic terms is the idea”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Michael McCormack Michael McCormack supported the bill, arguing that renewable-energy projects were imposing unfair costs on farmland and regional communities.
“That's why I support the bill from the member for New England.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Rick Wilson Rick Wilson supported the bill, arguing that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. and the safeguard mechanismA scheme under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 that applies emissions obligations to large facilities. The explanatory memorandum says the bill would remove it. were damaging mining, agriculture, transport and household budgets in his electorate.
“I rise today to speak in support of the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025. My electorate of O'Connor is ground zero for net zero. We've already seen the total demise of the nickel industry, with 14 out of 16 nickel mines in my electorate closing th”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Ben Small Ben Small supported dumping net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero., arguing that energy prices, subsidies and penalties were hurting Australian industry and exporting jobs overseas.
“begin a long and necessary debate on the need to dump Labor's net zero agenda, especially the taxes, penalties and big government schemes that now see taxpayers forced to stump up for the generation, storage, transmission, retail and even t”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Llew O'Brien Llew O'Brien supported repeal, saying climate change is real but Australia's current net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. settings were economically damaging and were hurting rural and regional communities.
“I rise to speak in support of Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025, brought forward by the member for New England, and I commend him for doing so. At the start, I'll say the obvious: climate change is real. With a global population of over eight billi”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Colin Boyce 2 contributions Colin Boyce again supported the bill, focusing on the cost of meeting the 2050 target, the 2030 emissions and renewable-energy goals, and the lack of public cost detail for energy schemes.
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Colin Boyce on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Colin Boyce seconded the House motion and argued that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. threatened resource industries, manufacturing jobs, agricultural land and energy affordability in Central Queensland.
“I second the motion, and I rise to support this Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 put forward by my colleague the member for New England, Barnaby Joyce. He is absolutely right. Net zero, ultimately, will destroy our economic base here in Australia.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗Second reading speech
Colin Boyce again supported the bill, focusing on the cost of meeting the 2050 target, the 2030 emissions and renewable-energy goals, and the lack of public cost detail for energy schemes.
“by leave—I rise to support the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025, presented by my colleague the member for New England at the last sitting. Unfortunately, this bill has revolved around an argument that if you don't believe in net zero, you don't be”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Minor parties and independents
2 speakers · 2 oppose
Minor parties and independents
2 speakers · 2 oppose
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Kate Chaney ★ Kate Chaney opposed the bill, arguing that net zeroA goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions released with emissions removed or offset, so the net amount added to the atmosphere is zero. was both a climate obligation and an economic opportunity, and that repeal would damage investment certainty.
“I rise today to speak against the member for New England's bill to repeal Australia's net zero target. This bill, the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025, is not just a backwards step; it's a reckless rejection of economic opportunities, of environme”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Helen Haines ★ Helen Haines opposed the bill, saying it would unravel Australia's emissions framework without replacement and miss a chance to make the transition work better for regional communities.
“This bill would unravel Australia's emissions reduction framework without putting anything else in place. It would close the Net Zero Economy Authority, which supports the workforce transition across regional Australia. It would repeal vehi”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
Full record
- Status
- Before Senate -- Collected from the APH bill page.
- Originating house
- Senate
- Sponsor
- Senator Matthew Canavan -- Collected from the APH bill page metadata.
- Amendments
- None collected -- No proposed amendments or recorded amendment outcomes were collected at source collection time.
- 04 Sept 2025
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
- 04 Sept 2025
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.